Honble Gent^n.

Pursuant to an order from S^r. P^r. Parker, Rear Admiral of the Blue at Rhode Island, I had orders to get seven Transports ready to go for Wood to Long Island, for the use of the Army & Navy, and to put myself, and them, under the command of Capt^n. Furneaux of his Maj^ts. Ship Syren, which I complied with.

On the 6^th. Nov^r. 1777 at one in the morning the Signal was made on board the Syren to get under way, dark thick weather, wind at NE, when under way steered SSW and SWBS for about two hours. The Syren being at some distance a head was ordered to bring up the Rear; I being a stern & without him. at 5 AM saw some flashes of Guns at different times, which made me think that some accident had happened.

I immediately brought too at day light, being thick, & blowing hard with rain, the Fleet much scattered, I saw two Ships which I supposed to be on shore, but could not tell what Ships they were; they then bearing from us NNE; therefore I could not give them any assistance, but bore away & join'd the Wood Fleet, steering a proper course for the place I was ordered, where we lay all night, & next day expecting the Admiral to send us a frigate.

Before night I weigh'd with all the Fleet, and ran into Southwell River¹ with the wind at East, thinking it a place of more security for the protection of the Transports under my direction.

On the 9^th. His Maj^ts. Ship Unicorn join'd us by whom we learn'd that the Syren Frigate & Sisters Transport (Trattles,² Master) had got ashore upon point Judith, not above pistol shot from shore, on Rocks, where a Battery was erected by the Rebels, which prevented any of the Stores from being saved as I am informed. I also hear that Capt^n. Furneaux & most of his Ships Company are with the Rebels. I am [&c.]

A Copy

(The Syren was a 28 Gunship)